[MSTRLEE]

About to buy a 1996 Grand Cherokee Limited but wanted to see what sort of issues are common to this model. I would appreciate your input.
*Not new to the forum but new to Cherokees (was formerly a TJ owner).
Cheers.

 

[194971]

Check out the link in my signature. :thumbsup:

4.0L or 5.2L? They each have different quirks.

 

[xcaliber81]

Sometimes the pcm can go funky on the 96-98 models. Electrical gremlins is probably most common in seroiusly neglected jeeps.

 

[MSTRLEE]

Check out the link in my signature. :thumbsup:

4.0L or 5.2L? They each have different quirks.

Thanks mate. Great list.

 

[shaban]

90% jeeps from 93-98 will have:
- A seized Viscous Coupling, if using a 249 transfer case
- A leak from the oil filter housing (4.0 engine) thats often mistaken for rear main leak
- Worn front lower control arms, especially axle side bushing.
Plus all random combination of gremlins from Jason Stebbins's list

 

[misfit77]

I am battling a leaking power steering pump. Even a new one leaks. This is because I have proportionate steering oonly available on 96 limited.

Had issues with memory/power seats and mirrors. Disconnected the buttons and I'm fine.

Broken rear windo sensor, JB weld fixed it.

I don't have the PCM issue yet, so I ziptied it as a precautionary method.

I am lucky that my VIC still works.

 

[Oldfrog]

An easy $1000 will be spent on it in the first 18 months....not including tires. So make your deal accordingly and allow for it.

Shocks, track bar, control arms, PCM, CPS, radiator, water pump, tranny fluid and filter, brakes, distr. cap and rotor, idler pulley, plug wires, battery and cables, headliner, etc. Just to name a few normal maintenance items. By this age, if it hasnt been replaced, it probably needs to be.

 

[PolkaPower]

An easy $1000 will be spent on it in the first 18 months....not including tires. So make your deal accordingly and allow for it.

Shocks, track bar, control arms, PCM, CPS, radiator, water pump, tranny fluid and filter, brakes, distr. cap and rotor, idler pulley, plug wires, battery and cables, headliner, etc. Just to name a few normal maintenance items. By this age, if it hasnt been replaced, it probably needs to be.

This is a great start! As with any old vehicle, it will need a bunch of stuff replaced due to age. How available are parts in your area?

Find out which transfer case it has. If it's a 249 full time 4x4 you will need to replace the coupler. They wear out over time. That part is around 300-400 bucks.

 

[1998_ZJltd]

An easy $1000 will be spent on it in the first 18 months....not including tires. So make your deal accordingly and allow for it.

No truer words can be spoken ... I have had mine for 3 months and in just a bit over that figure ... tranny solenoid transducer and service, oil change, battery, track bar, multiple bulbs and smog valve ... I am at 1150 + the price of the 98 5.9 ...

That is parts only all work done by me ... this forum is a great asset to have ... have done the VIC, light switch and most of the other big 12

 

[MSTRLEE]

This is a great start! As with any old vehicle, it will need a bunch of stuff replaced due to age. How available are parts in your area?

Find out which transfer case it has. If it's a 249 full time 4x4 you will need to replace the coupler. They wear out over time. That part is around 300-400 bucks.

Car parts are fairly hard to come by here (Brisbane Australia). I'll be hunting second-hand websites for used parts. Thanks for the heads up. I'll have to look at what's involved in replacing the coupler.

 

[shaban]

In Australia, there are very few affordable part suppliers for Jeeps. Ebay is your choice, and some of US sellers do ship to Australia too.
Most of them don't though, so you may consider using some parcel forwarding service like shipito or myus, that's what I'm doing.

Also, self-service junkyards are pretty good in this regard, I've got a used 242 transfer case off an XJ for $150,
way better than a putting out $400 for a VC.

Given that there isnt much snow in AU, 242 case is not much worse off than 249 case.
There's a topic on top of the forum regarding this transfer case swap.

PS - update regarding Australian conditions: if you're intending to use it more for offroading, I'd rather look at XJ's. All ZJ's sold in Australia come without fuel tank skid plate and without transfer case skid plate, and its nearly impossible to get those locally without paying $800+. Also parts for XJs are much more plentifully available locally. Also aussie ZJ's have this stupid immobilizer that'll leave you stranded if your key fob is out of battery. I couldnt find a way to disable it.

 

[MSTRLEE]

Thanks for all the help folks. Ended up buying the Cherokee. Guy put on new tyres, under the hood looks new (hoses, belts, wires)... Main downside is the AC isn't cold, but condenser works. Dome lights don't work and the speakers are crap and it has a cassette tape player... But it drives really well and engine is solid. Include the 6 month rego and it's not a bad deal.

 

[1998_ZJltd]

on the radio .. pop a door panel off and look at the speaker .. if the surround is wasted away you can re foam the speakers .. I just did mine and as an audiophile I must admit they sound good .. I do have one that I need to find a new one due to the voice coil being blasted but only ran me 25 bucks for the foams and I fixed three out of 4 in the doors and did the two in my sound bar ....if you have a good ear and listen at the speaker with a little bass you will hear the speaker fart if the cone is bumping the voice coil ...

Congrats on the ride .........